Dispensing Device for Dispensing a Liquid Product

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device includes a that is longitudinally movable in a second chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber. An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. The intermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at least one flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the first chamber is moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow of the liquid product when the first chamber is moved in an opposite second longitudinal direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 to Denmark Patent Application No. PA 2012 00143, filed onFeb. 22, 2012. The entire contents of which application are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing aliquid product, such as cleaning materials, detergents, softeners,liquid toilet soap, shampoo, medicine, liquid foodstuff such as syrup,pulped marmalade, chocolate sauce, ketchup, different type of dressings,sauces etc., from a container containing the liquid product. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a liquid dispenser beingcapable of delivering consistently precise doses of liquid product, ofefficiently preventing liquid product from being poured directly out ofthe container and of preventing that a part of the required dose ofliquid product remains in the measuring chamber after dispensing theliquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

WO 2009/076959 A1 discloses a dispensing device for dispensing doses ofliquid medium. The dispensing device comprises a first chamber and asecond chamber divided from each other by an intermediate wall arrangedin an interior part of the dispensing device. An inlet passageestablishes a fluid connection between the first chamber and an interiorpart of a container containing the liquid product, and an outlet passageallows liquid product to be dispensed from the second chamber. Anintermediate passage is defined at a position of an edge of theintermediate wall, thereby allowing a dose of liquid product to passfrom the first chamber to the second chamber. The intermediate wallcomprises a portion which is inclined or curved in a direction towardsthe first chamber. Thereby the first chamber defines a cavity orbowl-shaped region which traps liquid product when the dispensing deviceis oriented in a certain direction during a dispensing movement. Thisprevents liquid product from passing directly through the dispensingdevice.

One disadvantage of the dispensing device of WO 2009/076959 is thatsticky and viscous liquid flows slowly out of the dispenser, and that,especially in the last part of the dosing process, such slow flow canlead the user to stop dosing before the dosing chamber is empty andthereby result in errors in the doses being dispensed by means of thedispensing device.

SUMMARY of EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a dispensingdevice for dispensing liquid product which is capable of dispensingdoses of sticky and viscous liquid product in a more precise manner thanprior art dispensing devices.

It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide adispensing device for dispensing liquid product which is capable ofpreventing that liquid product is dispensed directly through thedispenser without being measured.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a dispensing devicefor dispensing a liquid product from a container containing saidproduct. The dispensing device includes a first chamber and a secondchamber. The first chamber is longitudinally slidably movable in thesecond chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an innersurface of the second chamber. An inlet passage includes at least oneinlet opening that establishes a fluid connection between the firstchamber and an interior part of the container. An outlet passage isadapted to deliver the liquid product being dispensed by the dispensingdevice. The outlet passage is fluidly connected to the second chamber.An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of thefirst chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. Theintermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least oneopening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper forcovering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at leastone flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product toflow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space ofthe second chamber when the first chamber is slidably moved in a firstlongitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow ofthe liquid product from the interior space of the second chamber to theinterior space of the first chamber when the first chamber is slidablymoved in an opposite second longitudinal direction to dispense theliquid product from the second chamber through the outlet passage.

According to a first aspect the invention provides a dispensing devicefor dispensing a liquid product from a container containing saidproduct, the dispensing device comprising:

a first chamber and a second chamber,

an inlet passage comprising at least one inlet opening and establishinga fluid connection between the first chamber and an interior part of acontainer having the dispensing device mounted thereon,

an outlet passage adapted to deliver the liquid product being dispensedby means of the dispensing device, said outlet passage being fluidlyconnected to the second chamber,

an intermediate valve dividing an interior part of the dispensing deviceinto the first chamber and the second chamber, the intermediate valvecomprising a valve seat plate provided with at least one opening and avalve flapper plate provided with at least one flapper for covering theat least one opening in the valve seat plate, said intermediate valvebeing arranged at the first chamber, the intermediate valve and thefirst chamber being provided with an outer dimension that is smallerthan the inner dimension of the second chamber and said intermediatevalve and the first chamber being movable into the second chamber like apiston.

The dispensing device according to embodiments of the invention isadapted to dispense liquid products, such as cleaning materials,detergents, softeners, liquid toilet soap, shampoo, medicine, liquidfoodstuff such as syrup, pulped marmalade, chocolate sauce, ketchup,different types of dressings, sauces, or any other suitable kind ofliquid product which it is desirable to dispense from a containercontaining the product. The dispensing device according to embodimentsof the invention is further capable of dispensing a metered dose ofliquid product. And still further to dispense a variable, metered doseof liquid product. This will be explained further below.

The inlet passage establishes a fluid connection between the firstchamber and an interior part of a container having the dispensing devicemounted thereon. Thus, when the dispensing device is mounted on acontainer, liquid product is allowed to pass from the interior of thecontainer into, the first chamber, and thereby into the dispensingdevice, via the inlet passage. Accordingly, when liquid product isdispensed from the container by means of the dispensing device, liquidproduct from the container first enters the dispensing device byentering the first chamber.

The first chamber and the container may be one integrated part, and thefirst chamber and the container may in this embodiment have the samediameter and the first chamber will then be the same as the containerand there will be no direct inlet between the first chamber and thecontainer, as the interior of the container and the first chamber isthen one and the same chamber.

The outlet passage is fluidly connected to the second chamber, and it isadapted to deliver liquid product being dispensed by means of thedispensing device. Accordingly, when liquid product is dispensed bymeans of the dispensing device, it leaves the dispensing device from thesecond chamber and via the outlet passage.

The intermediate valve dividing an interior part of the dispensingdevice into the first chamber and the second chamber comprises a valveseat plate provided with at least one opening and a valve flapper plateprovided with at least one flapper for covering the at least one openingin the valve seat plate. Accordingly, liquid product which has enteredthe first chamber from the container or, where the container and thefirst chamber are the same, liquid direct from the container is onlyallowed to pass into the second chamber via the intermediate valve.Subsequently, the liquid product can be delivered from the secondchamber via the outlet passage. In summary, liquid product beingdispensed by means of the dispensing device follows a fluid path fromthe container, through an inlet passage into the first chamber, in oneembodiment the first chamber and the container are one and the samechamber, from the first chamber or container through the intermediatevalve into the second chamber and out of the dispensing device via theoutlet passage. The liquid is allowed to pass the intermediate valve viathe at least one opening in the valve seat plate when the at least oneflapper for covering the opening is lifted up or away from the openingin the valve seat plate.

The intermediate valve may be arranged at the end of the first chamber.Accordingly, the intermediate valve may act as an end wall for the firstchamber.

The first chamber that is integrated with the intermediate valve has anouter dimension that is smaller than the inner dimension of the secondchamber and said intermediate valve and the first chamber are movableinto the second chamber like a piston.

The piston effect of the first chamber that is integrated with theintermediate valve secures that all the measured liquid in the secondchamber passes out of the second chamber and out of the dispensingdevice via the outlet passage. The dispensing device therefore allows amore precise dose to be dispensed. Furthermore, the precision in thedispensed dose is very reliable in the sense that it can be trusted thatthe dispensed dose is the same each time the dispensing device isoperated.

The dispensing device of embodiments of the present invention may beoperated in the following manner. The dispensing device is mounted at anopening of a container containing liquid product to be dispensed bymeans of the dispensing device. Advantageously, the dispensing devicemay form an integral part of the container, so that the container volumeand the first chamber volume are one and same volume.

When it is desired to dispense a dose of liquid product from thecontainer, the first chamber that is integrated with the intermediatevalve, in the following also called the piston, is pulled out of thesecond chamber until the volume of the second chamber corresponds to thedesired dose of liquid product. The intermediate valve is open andliquid passes into the second chamber. When the desired dose has passedinto the second chamber, the intermediate valve is closed and the pistonis created and pushed into the second chamber and the liquid from thesecond chamber passes out of the dispensing device via the outletpassage. The piston secures that the second chamber is emptied and aprecise dose is dispensed.

When the piston has secured that the second chamber is empty, the pistonwill be ready to be pulled out of the second chamber and a new dose maybe measured and dispensed.

The intermediate valve may have a convex shape pointing towards thesecond chamber. According to this embodiment, both the valve seat plateand the valve flapper plate may have a convex shape.

The intermediate valve may be positioned in such a manner that the valveseat plate abuts against the first chamber and the valve flapper platepoints towards the second chamber.

The one or more openings in the valve seat plate may be positioned insuch a manner that a continuing flow of liquid can flow from the firstchamber to the second chamber when the valve flapper does not cover theopening. In one embodiment more than one opening can be placed in acircle on the periphery of the valve seat plate. The openings in thevalve seat plate may have a diameter that is widest at the periphery andthe openings may have the shape of a triangle, a drop or the like.

The valve flapper plate may comprise more than one flap, the amount offlaps may be equivalent to the amount of openings in the valve seatplate. In one embodiment one flap covers more than one opening. Oneflaps may cover two openings. The flaps may be connected in theperiphery of the valve flapper plate.

The valve flapper plate may comprise an opening in the centre of theflapper plate and the flaps may be formed by a plurality of T-shapedcuts. The valve flapper plate may be made from a flexible plasticmaterial, for example silicone rubber.

The intermediate valve is closed when the first chamber is pushed intothe second chamber; because of the forces from the liquid in the secondchamber the flaps are pressed up against the valve seat plate. The shapeand dimensions of the openings in the valve seat plate and theequivalent flaps in the valve flapper plate are chosen to secure thatthe intermediate valve is closed when the first chamber is pushed intothe second chamber. On the other hand, the intermediate valve isdimensioned with a valve flapper plate where the flaps open when thefirst chamber is pulled out of the second chamber.

The first chamber is provided with a mechanism that prevents the firstchamber from being pulled completely out of the second chamber, when thefirst chamber is pulled out of the second chamber. According to oneembodiment the mechanism is provided with protrusions on the outside ofthe first chamber and on the inside of the second chamber. When thefirst chamber is pulled away from the second chamber, the twoprotrusions will hit each other before the first chamber is pulledcompletely out of the first chamber, thereby preventing the firstchamber from being separated from the second chamber.

The outlet passage adapted to deliver the liquid product from thecontainer may be provided with a closing element, thereby preventingliquid from flowing out of the container unintentionally. The closingelement may be in the form of a cap. In one embodiment the closingelement is a valve or a membrane that opens when the pressure from theliquid inside the second chamber, the dosing chamber, rises above agiven level.

An example of such a material may be a polymer such as silicone.

A variable dose of liquid may be dispensed from the container. The dosedepends on how far the first chamber with the intermediate valve at theend is pulled away from the bottom of the second chamber. The furtheraway, the higher the dose of liquid flowing into the second chamber andbeing ready for dispense when the first chamber is pushed into thesecond chamber.

The first chamber or the second chamber may be provided with anindication showing the volume of the second chamber and of the dose tobe dispensed. The indication may be the use of transparent chambers.Another way is to provide the container or the first chamber withvisible marks whereby the user can stop dosing when the edge of thesecond chamber reaches the mark.

On the outer surface, the first chamber may be provided with one or morerecesses extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of thefirst chamber, and at the end pointing towards the first chamber, thesecond chamber is provided with tongues, the tongues having on theinside an outwardly projected edge that slides in the recess on theouter surface of the first chamber, when a tongue presses against thefirst chamber from the outside. The recesses may have different lengthsin the longitudinal direction. By having recesses with different lengthin the longitudinal direction makes it possible to dose different dosesfrom the container depending on which tongues is pressed against thematch recesses. Each recess may have a partner with the same lengtharranged substantially on the opposite site. Hereby is provided adispensing device where the user may press thumb and index fingeragainst two tongues arranged substantially on opposite site and therebydispensing the claimed dose.

The dispensing device may have the shape of a cylinder. The secondchamber may furthermore have a shape causing that the container with thedispensing device can stand on a flat surface.

The present invention further relates to a container for containing aliquid product, the container having a dispensing device according tothe first aspect of the invention mounted thereon. The dispensing devicemay either be a separate part which is mounted onto the container, or itmay form an integral part of the container.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first chamber may bean integrated part of the container volume. According to a furtherembodiment, the inlet passage establishing a fluid connection betweenthe first chamber and an interior part of a container having thedispenser device mounted thereon may not be well defined, as the firstchamber and the container are one and the same chamber. This makes it aneasily injection moulded product, thereby contributing to a relativecheep dosing container.

The container may be provided with one or more vents in the end oppositethe first chamber. The vent may be positioned in a bottom plate of thecontainer, thereby preventing the container from bursting, collapsingand securing correct dosing.

In one embodiment, the vents may be covered by a membrane; the membranesecuring the container from leaking. The membrane may also preventliquid from penetrating into the container. Thus, contamination of theproduct to be dispensed can be avoided. A membrane material may be amaterial, in which the nature of the micropores allows airflow andequalizes the pressure without allowing liquid to pass. An example ofsuch a material is expanded polytetrafluoethylene (ePTFB).

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method formanufacturing a dispensing device according to the first aspect of theinvention, the method comprising the step of injection moulding at leasta part of the dispensing device.

It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would readilyrecognise that any feature described in combination with the firstaspect of the invention could also be combined with the second aspect ofthe invention, and vice versa.

The method may comprise the steps of:

injection moulding the first chamber, the container and the valve seatplate as one component,

injection moulding the second chamber, and

attaching the valve flapper plate to the valve seat plate, and placingthe assembled first chamber and valve seat plate with the attached valveflapper plate inside the second chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2-5 are different views of the first chamber and the valve seatplate of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6-9 are different views of the valve flapper plate of theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10-13 are different views of the second chamber of the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembly drawing according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembly drawing according to asecond embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 16-19 are different views of a container connected with the firstchamber and the valve seat plate of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 20-23 are different views of the valve flapper plate of theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 24-27 are different views of second chamber of the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 28 is a perspective view of a bottom plate with vents for thecontainer of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relativesizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Thisinvention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/orsections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings of the present invention. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout the description.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of this specification andthe relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly drawing of the dispensingdevice

The intermediate valve 3 is arranged between the first chamber 4 and thesecond chamber 5. The second chamber 5 is fluidly connected to an outletpassage 6 adapted to deliver liquid being dispensed by the dispensingdevice.

The first chamber 4 is fluidly connected to the inlet passage 2. Whenthe dispensing device is mounted on a container containing liquidproduct, the inlet passage 2 is furthermore fluidly connected to theinterior of the container. Thereby liquid product from the container isallowed to enter the first chamber 4 via the inlet passage 2.

The intermediate valve comprises a valve seat plate 7 provided withopenings 8. A valve flapper plate 9 is disclosed above the valve seatplate 7. The valve flapper plate is provided with flaps 10 for coveringthe openings 8 in the valve seat plate 7. When the flaps 10 are lifted,the intermediate valve 3 allows liquid to flow from the first chamber 4through the openings 8 in the valve seat plate 7 and into the secondchamber 5 during dispensing of liquid product.

During storage, i.e. when a dose of liquid product is not beingdispensed by the dispenser, a not visible lid can be screwed onto thethread of the second container and the opening can thereby be closed.The lid may have a plane surface and the dispenser is normallyorientated in such a manner that the outlet passage 6 faces downward.

When it is desired to dispense a dose of liquid product, the desireddosage amount of liquid flows into the second chamber 5, the measuringchamber. The first chamber 4 that is integrated with the intermediatevalve 3 is pulled out of the second chamber 5. When the first chamber 4is pulled in the direction away from the second chamber, theintermediate valve will automatically open the flaps in the intermediatevalve and liquid will pass into the second chamber 5. After filling thesecond chamber 5 with the desired dose, the first chamber and theintermediate valve are pushed in the direction toward the second chamber5 whereby the desired dose is dispensed from the container. When pushingthe first chamber 4 and the intermediate valve 3 in the directiontowards the second chamber 5, the flaps 10 will automatically be pressedagainst the valve seat plate and thereby close the valve.

FIGS. 2-5 are different views of the first chamber 4 integrated with avalve seat plate 7 of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is thevalve seat plate 7 disclosed from the second chamber 5, the dosingchamber. FIG. 3 is a view from the container side, FIG. 4 is a sideview, and FIG. 5. is a perspective view. The valve seat plate 7 isdisclosed with twelve openings 8.

FIGS. 6-9 are different views of the valve flapper plate 9 of theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a view from the second chamber5, FIG. 7 from the container side, FIG. 8 is a side view, and FIG. 9 isa perspective view from the container side. The flapper plate 9 isdisclosed with six flaps for covering the twelve openings 8 in the valveseat plate.

FIGS. 10-13 are different views of the second chamber 5. FIG. 10 fromthe inside, FIG. 11 from the outside, FIG. 12 from the side and FIG. 13is a perspective view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembly drawing according to anembodiment of the invention. The second chamber 105 is disclosed with anoutlet passage 106, a valve element 114 is disclosed to be inserted inthe outlet passage 106, the valve flapper plate 109, the valve seatplate 108 being integrated with the first chamber 104 at the container.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembly drawing according to asecond embodiment of the invention. The second chamber 205 is disclosedwith an outlet passage 206, a valve element 204 is disclosed to beinserted in the outlet passage 206, the valve flapper plate 209, thevalve seat plate 208 being integrated with the first chamber 204 at thecontainer.

FIGS. 16-19 are different views of a container connected with the firstchamber 204 and the valve seat plate 208 of the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a side view, FIG. 17 is a perspective view. FIG. 18is a view from the second chamber, and FIG. 19 from the inside. Thecontainer is disclosed with three recesses 215 extending in thelongitudinal direction of the container. The recesses have differentlengths and can thereby provide the dispensing device with thepossibility to dispense three different doses.

FIGS. 20-23 are different views of the valve flapper plate of theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 24-27 are different views of the second chamber 208 of theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 28 is a perspective view of a bottom plate with vents 218 for thecontainer of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 15.

The dispensing device according to the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed in the FIGS. 15-28 may measure and dispense a dose by slidablylongitudinally moving the first chamber 204 within the second chamber205. The flaps 210 on the flapper plate 209 covering the openings 208 inthe valve seat plate 207 move away from the openings in the valve seatplate 207 and liquid flows from the first chamber 204 into the secondchamber 205. The flaps 210 are separated by a plurality of T-shaped cuts212 having therebetween a first leg extending from the opening 211 tothe periphery of the valve flapper plate 209 and a second cross leg,extending around a segment of the periphery of the valve flapper plate209. A selected variable dose of liquid may be dispensed from thecontainer. The dose depends on how far the first chamber 204 is pulledout from the second chamber 205 to fill the second chamber 205. Aprotrusion 219 on the outside of the first chamber 204 secures that thefirst chamber 204 and second chamber 205 to limit separation thereof.

On the outer surface thereof, the first chamber 204 is provided withrecesses 215 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction ofthe first chamber 204. The second chamber 205 is provided with tongues216. The tongues 216 have on the inside thereof an outwardly projectededge 217 that slides in the recess 215 on the outer surface of the firstchamber 204 when the tongues 216 presses against the first chamber 204from the outside. The recesses 215 have different lengths in thelongitudinal direction. Having recesses 215 with different lengths inthe longitudinal direction may facilitate dosing different selecteddoses from the container depending on which of the tongues 216 ispressed against the matching recesses 215. Each recess may have apartner with the same length arranged substantially on the opposite sideof the first chamber 204. As such, a dispensing device may be providedwhere the user may press thumb and index finger against two tongues 216arranged substantially on opposite sides and thereby dispense theclaimed dose. When the desired dose is measured into the second chamber205, the dispenser is ready for dispensing the measured dose by slidablypressing the first chamber 204 into the second chamber 205 in theopposite longitudinal direction from that used to fill the secondchamber 205.

The dose will flow out of the outlet passage 206 in the second chamber205. The illustrated outlet passage 206 includes a closing element 213,shown as a valve 214 in FIG. 15. The valve 214 opens when the pressurefrom the liquid inside the second chamber 205 rises above a given level.

A vent 218 placed in the container opposite the first chamber 204ensures that there is no vacuum in the container, and thus securingcorrect dosing.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have beendescribed, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thisinvention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of this invention. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present inventionand is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as wellas other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope ofthe invention.

1. A dispensing device for dispensing a liquid product from a containercontaining said product, the dispensing device comprising: a firstchamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being longitudinallyslidably movable in the second chamber and having an outer surfacesealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber; an inletpassage including at least one inlet opening that establishes a fluidconnection between the first chamber and an interior part of thecontainer; an outlet passage adapted to deliver the liquid product beingdispensed by the dispensing device, said outlet passage being fluidlyconnected to the second chamber; an intermediate valve positionedbetween an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part ofthe second chamber, the intermediate valve including a valve seat platehaving at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at leastone flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seatplate, wherein said at least one flapper moves to an open positionallowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of firstchamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the firstchamber is slidably moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves toa closed position limiting flow of the liquid product from the interiorspace of the second chamber to the interior space of the first chamberwhen the first chamber is slidably moved in an opposite secondlongitudinal direction to dispense the liquid product from the secondchamber through the outlet passage.
 2. A dispensing device according toclaim 1, wherein the intermediate valve has a convex shape pointingtowards the second chamber.
 3. A dispensing device according to claim 1,wherein the valve seat plate abuts against the first chamber and thevalve flapper plate is positioned between the valve seat plate and theinterior space of the second chamber.
 4. A dispensing device accordingto claim 1, wherein the valve seat plate includes a plurality ofopenings positioned in a circle on a periphery of the valve seat plate.5. A dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the openings havediameters that are widest at the periphery.
 6. A dispensing deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the openings have the shape of a triangleor a drop.
 7. A dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein thevalve flapper plate comprises more than one flap, and the flaps arehingedly connected at a periphery of the valve flapper plate and theperiphery of the valve flapper plate is maintained in contact with theperiphery of the valve seat plate when the first chamber islongitudinally moved.
 8. A dispensing device according to claim 7,wherein the valve flapper plate includes an opening in a center of theflapper plate positioned over a center of the valve seat plate that hasno openings and the plurality of flaps are separated by a plurality ofT-shaped cuts therebetween having a first leg extending from the openingto the periphery of the valve flapper plate and a second cross legextending around a segment of the periphery of the valve flapper plate.9. A dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the valve flapperplate is made from a flexible plastic material.
 10. A dispensing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the outlet passage is provided with aclosing member.
 11. A dispensing device according to claim 10, whereinthe closing member is a valve.
 12. A dispensing device according toclaim 1, wherein the first chamber and/or the second chamber includes anindication showing a volume of the second chamber depending on how farthe first chamber is moved into the second chamber.
 13. A dispensingdevice according to claim 12, wherein the first chamber and the secondchamber are transparent.
 14. A dispensing device according to claim 13,wherein an outer surface of the first chamber includes one or morerecesses extending substantially longitudinally and the second chamber,at an end point thereof proximate the first chamber, includes tongues,the tongues having on an inside thereof an outwardly projected edge, theoutwardly projected edge sliding in at least one of the recesses on theouter surface of the first chamber when the tongues press against thefirst chamber from the outside.
 15. A dispensing device according toclaim 14, wherein the recesses have different longitudinal lengths,selected to correspond to different volumes of the liquid product to bedispensed.
 16. A dispensing device according to claim 15, wherein eachrecess has a partner recess with a same length arranged substantially onan opposite side of the first chamber.
 17. A dispensing device accordingto claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber arecylindrical.
 18. A container for containing a liquid product, thecontainer including the dispensing device of claim 1 mounted thereon andfurther including the interior part of the container.
 19. A containeraccording to claim 18, wherein the first chamber is an integrated partof the container.
 20. A container according to claim 19, wherein thecontainer further comprises at least one vent in an end of the containeropposite the first chamber.